4 Questions to Ask Your Hearing Instrument Specialist

Are you suffering from hearing loss and scheduled an appointment with a hearing instrument specialist, but aren’t sure where to start? It can be difficult to prepare for an appointment when you don’t know what to expect. If you’ve scheduled an appointment with a hearing instrument specialist (HIS) in your area, but are unsure what to ask or talk about, consider asking the following four questions.

1. How do you test for hearing loss?

When it comes to detecting hearing loss, there are a number of different evaluations that can be done by your hearing instrument specialist to determine if you have any problems. From tests that evaluate whether you struggle to hear certain pitches or in background noise, to tests that check what speech and words you can recognize, the hearing instrument specialist will determine what tests are necessary to evaluate your hearing ability. Knowing what tests the HIS will be conducting will not only help ease your mind, it will help you come up with any potential questions you might have.

2. What happens if I have hearing loss?

If the tests conducted by the hearing instrument specialist determine you have hearing loss, they will discuss results with you and recommend the next steps. Most hearing instrument specialists will recommend hearing aids as the solution for hearing loss. Hearing aids are fully adjustable and will be programmed to your specific hearing needs.

3. Do I have to get hearing aids?

Perhaps you’ve been diagnosed with hearing loss, but you’re not ready to purchase hearing aids yet. You may want to ask the hearing instrument specialist if you have to get hearing aids and what will happen if you don’t. While hearing aids are a large investment, untreated hearing loss costs much more, including: your peace of mind, your quality of life and cognitive function. If you need hearing aids but are worried about affording them, talk with your hearing instrument specialist to work out a payment plan or other cost-effective option.

4. What happens next?

Whether or not you have hearing loss, you’ll want to talk with your hearing instrument specialist about what to expect next. If you do have hearing loss, they will discuss all your different hearing aid options with you and then schedule the appropriate appointments that follow. If you do not have hearing loss, the HIS will recommend when to have your hearing tested again and will finish answering any additional questions you might have.